Once you board the Reds Meadow Shuttle from the Mammoth Adventure Center or The Village at Mammoth, you can hop on and off at any of the shuttle stops throughout your day, giving you access to multiple trailheads and miles of trails in Reds Meadow. Stop by the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center to purchase a map of hiking trails in Reds Meadow. It did start getting busy around 10:30 am. Please choose a different date. Rainbow Falls. If you park in Devils Postpile parking lot, it's a 2.5 mile hike to Rainbow Falls and the trek is so worth the views. Rainbow falls is a beautiful sight to see and truly worth the hike. The last 3/4 mile to the falls you are in open sun so bring sun screen. We stayed for a few hours having snacks and taking in the scene! But it can get crowded nearer to the falls and the stairs going down to the lower falls can get crowded. So the hike is worth the view. We walk up the top of the Devil postpile, went down the bottom of the rainbow falls and to the lower falls, it’s beautiful. From this trailhead, you can access the Minaret Falls Trail, Minaret Lake Trail, Beck Lake Trail and Emily Lake Trail. During the winter, this place gets flocked with tons of people looking to shred the icy slopes. Mammoth Lakes, where it is located, lies 150 miles (241 kilometers) from the capital of the state, Sacramento. By the time we got back it was 83 deg. The best time to experience the rainbows is midday when the sun is the highest. The trail was dog-friendly and we saw many furry family members on the trail. Elevation change is manageable - some people may want to bring trekking poles for some of the stretches of elevation. Start early and bring water. Its located about half way down the trail and only 150 feet off the trail. Per the recommendation of some hikers online, we started our hike around 8 am (this is in mid-July 2020) and arrived at the falls around 9 am. All Rights Reserved. Day hikers can choose between the 1.3-mile trail from a nearby trailhead or include the falls as part of a 4-mile loop though Devils Postpile. There were very few people on the trail and at the falls during this time. Unlike other river falls in the Sierra (minus Yosemite), it is … It has a fair amount of shade in the beginning but gets sunny towards the end. The elevation gain is only 300 feet so it's a fairly easy hike to this natural wonder. From this trailhead, you can access Starkweather Trail. Rainbow Falls is the highest waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, in the United States. Take the Reds Meadow Shuttle (tickets can be purchased at the Mammoth Adventure Center using any method of payment or on the bus with cash only) from either The Village at Mammoth on the Canyon Boulevard side or the Mammoth Adventure Center at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. A must do and not a difficult walk. Soon you arrive at Rainbow falls, a 101 foot waterfall on the San Joaquin, over a very slow eroding basalt. Reds Meadow is the perfect place for a full day of exploration. amazing. I know there are times you have to take a bus to get there because the parking lots fill up. We decided to start our hike at the lower parking area of the Red Meadows resort. See Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls Along 1 Trail Mammoth Mountain is a popular hub for snowboarding, skiing, and hiking. The mandatory Reds Meadow Shuttle operates from mid-June to early September. After reading the reviews we decided to come before 8 am. Access Rainbow Falls by taking the mandatory Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus departing from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Rainbow Falls is over 100 feet tall. some shade. Visit Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls & Reds Meadow The majesty of these natural wonders lie just over the shoulder of Mammoth Mountain in the San Joaquin River Valley. Rainbow Falls is the highest waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, in the United States.Plunging 101 feet (31 m) to the turbulent water below, the falls are named for the rainbows that appear in their mist on sunny summer days. United States ; California (CA) Mammoth Lakes ; Mammoth Lakes Attractions ; Rainbow Falls; Search. From granite crags to trout-stocked lakes, pine forests to alpine meadows, there’s something for all seasons, interests and abilities, motorized and non-motorized alike. 314 Reviews The Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) Reds Meadow Shuttle is the only way to travel to Reds Meadow, including Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls and numerous hiking trails, in the summer (mid-June to early September). The shuttle seems to take about 45 minutes to go from the ski resort area to the trailhead for Rainbow Falls. I suggest you start early. But it can get crowded nearer to the falls and the stairs going down to the lower falls can get crowded. There are many things to see along the trail and make sure you check out the wood bridge that crosses the San Juaquin River. Returns are just as convenient and easy as delivery. During the summer, a shuttle bus connects all … We saw many people that looked like they were not in good enough shape to be hiking this trail. RAINBOW FALLS The San Joaquin River tumbles over an abrupt 101-foot lava ledge, sending rainbows of color into the mist. Read more Date of experience: July 2019 Many of the trailheads in Mammoth Lakes are accessible by shuttles, so you don’t even need to worry about your car when you want to explore the area on a hike. As explained in this deliciously dramatic post from the NPS, Devil’s Postpile formed from a massive lava lake roughly 100,000 years ago. Geologic Formations, Hot Springs & Geysers. It is hot and dry on the way back in the hotter part of the day so take plenty of water! I heard due to COVID the busses. STATS: Where: Devils Postpile: Devils Postpile Access Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 This is why I'd recommend making it a morning hike because it can get very, very hot. Book your tickets online for Rainbow Falls, Mammoth Lakes: See 315 reviews, articles, and 187 photos of Rainbow Falls, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 37 attractions in Mammoth Lakes. were not running but the lots were filling up fast So arrive early. Turn right on Minaret Road and go to Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center (Main Lodge) for long term parking and to board the mandatory shuttle to the trailhead. After viewing the falls, spend the day exploring Devils Postpile National Monument. Sunrise Hike to Rainbow Falls Near Mammoth Lakes August 14, 2017 • California Day Hikes Sierra Nevada Waterfalls Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous 101-foot waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River located in the Devil’s Postpile National Monument. Allow the natural world to cast its spell as you discover Rainbow Falls. Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls. From this trailhead, you can access the Rainbow Falls Trail, Fish Creek Trail and Mammoth Pass Trail. Start your day the cowboy way! This unique geological structure features thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed 100,000 years ago when lava flow slowed and then... Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center, a Designated California Welcome Center. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Red’s Meadow is known for spectacular horseback rides. Using the latest in printing technology, the photograph is infused directly into aluminum sheets and comes ready to hang! Your pet wants to have fun in the wilderness just as much as you do, but they have limitations as well. Hotels near Devils Postpile National Monument, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Mammoth Lakes, Fishing Charters & Tours in Mammoth Lakes, Other Outdoor Activities in Mammoth Lakes, Canyoning & Rappelling Tours in Mammoth Lakes, Game & Entertainment Centers in Mammoth Lakes, Boat Tours & Water Sports in Mammoth Lakes, Devils Postpile National Monument: Tickets & Tours‎, Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: Tickets & Tours‎, Mammoth Mountain Bike Park: Tickets & Tours‎, Mammoth Brewing Company: Tickets & Tours‎. … Devil’s Postpile. Rainbow Falls, Mammoth Lakes: Address, Rainbow Falls Reviews: 4.5/5. It’s best to wear a hat, sunscreen and face covering when hiking this trail. Hiking to Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls is fairly easy, but there is some vertical gain and you’ll want to take your time to learn about the geology and soak in the views. During these peak visitation months, the shuttle is the only way to access Reds Meadow for day use. Shadow Lake This 8.5-mile hike crosses a picturesque canyon and passes a plunging cascade to visit a mountain lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Inyo National Forest near Mammoth Lakes. Rainbow Falls Hike in Mammoth Lakes will take you a gorgeous and impressive 101ft tall waterfall, where you can view the falls from top and bottom. The shuttle typically operates mid-June through mid-September, during which all visitors must ride a special shuttle for access to Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls and other sights along the middle fork of the San Joaquin River. The trail is well. Within 6 miles (10 kilometers) of Rainbow Falls, there are a total of 9 hotel options to think about. It’s a pretty cool place to visit, especially if you combine it with a trip to Rainbow Falls. Your gear will be delivered at a time that’s convenient for you and does a custom fitting while you sit back and relax in your hotel room, condo or vacation home. We started out hike from the Devils Post Pile Ranger Station. Definitely a hike worth doing but go early or later in the day! 314 Reviews #1 of 37 things to do in Mammoth Lakes. So take water not a can of Monster, maybe a good snack, and plan plan a couple hours. Rainbow Falls This hike of 5.1 miles or more passes the Devils Postpile Formation to reach an attractive 101-foot waterfall with rainbows in its mist. Mammoth Lakes Holiday Packages; Flights to Mammoth Lakes; Mammoth Lakes Restaurants; Mammoth Lakes Attractions; Mammoth Lakes Travel Forum; Mammoth Lakes Photos; Mammoth Lakes Map; Mammoth Lakes Guide; All Mammoth Lakes Hotels; Mammoth Lakes Hotel Deals; Last Minute Hotels in Mammoth Lakes; By Hotel Type. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Devils Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes, California. This is where the PCT trail crosses the rover. A Hike Totally Worth Waking Up Early For! Don't waste another minute waiting in line at the rental shops on your next ski vacation. From the Post Pile parking area its 2.5 miles to the falls The trails is easy with just a couple hills that may get you breathing a little faster. We were here in mid July and started at 48 Deg. This hike is an easy, clear straightforward -so please don't get intimidated by thought of possibly getting lost and/or reading 2.5 miles. Metal Print. From easy hikes to Rainbow Falls, the wildflower-covered Agnew Meadows and Devils Postpile National Monument to more strenuous trails that wind through the John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas past stunning alpine lakes and connect to parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, Reds Meadow offers something for hikers of all levels. Ticket purchasing and shuttle bus boarding occurs near the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center which is located near Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. Beautiful Rainbow Falls spill 100 feet off a broad ledge along the Middle Fork San Joaquin River in Devils Postpile National Monument west of Mammoth Lakes. From this trailhead, you can access the Sotcher Lake Feeder trail, Sotcher Lake Loop trail and Sotcher Lake – Mammoth Pass Trail. You can walk another 3 miles past Devils Postpile to the Rainbow Falls trailhead. The Mammoth Lakes Trail System offers boundless recreation opportunities on more than 300 miles of trails. We had come up in the middle of the day to do the hike and the trails were a little to crowded so we decided to come back the next day early. Many looked like they were unprepared and had no water. When the summer shuttle service wraps up for the season (around early September), private vehicles are allowed on the road to Reds Meadow. Many of the trailheads in Mammoth Lakes are accessible by shuttles, so you don’t even need to worry about your car when you want to explore the area on a hike. The hike I feel was about less than 2 miles round trip. Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, Amazing hike with great views of the falls and a lovely place to have a snack while you cool off in the water. You can combine the Devil's Postpile monument and the Falls into one hike if you park at the main visitor center. more, Recommended experiences in and around Mammoth Lakes. Rainbow falls is a beautiful sight to see and truly worth the hike. Bring water, sun screen, and maybe a snack. Take an aerial ride up Mammoth Mountain on the Panorama Gondola to explore all the fun at 11,053 ft. At the top, snap a selfie at the summit sign, enjoy lunch with panoramic views at the Eleven53 Café, and discover the history and wonder of the Sierra at the interpretive center and through our Explore Mammoth learning stations. However, you can skip straight to the directions here. air temp. (Stay tuned for Rainbow Falls on our next article). The falls are named for the rainbows that often appear at their base. Falling over a sharp 101-foot drop, Rainbow Falls is an easy 2.5 mile walk from the trailhead at Devil's Postpile National Monument in Mammoth Lakes. It's a great spot to take a break and enjoy the super cold water prior to hiking out. With premium delivery service, you can place your order for skis, snowboards, boots and helmets before you arrive. Hiking Devils Postpile to see Rainbow Falls near the Mammoth Mountain is one of the most tourist-friendly, scenic and welcoming day trips you will find in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains on a trail that most people can easily manage – and we consider it a must. We hiked with our 11 and 13 year old kids and it was super easy for us. There are also no facilities! Mammoth Lakes is surrounded by two million acres of Inyo National Forest with dozens of hiking trails. Most people were wearing mask or face covering and the trail is wide enough that you can stay socially distant. Not sure where to start when planning your trip? Devil’s Postpile, seen en route to Rainbow Falls near Mammoth Lakes, CA. © 2020 Mammoth Lakes Tourism. Rainbow Falls. Even around that time parking was relatively full. A variety of trailheads lead to the region’s many iconic viewpoints and breathtaking landscapes. We offer these guided trail rides by horseback: the Rainbow Falls Ride, a Half Day Ride, and a Full Day Ride.Before calling please check through our requirements and make sure you can participate safely for a pleasant time.. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and horses and is best used from May until October. The shuttle bus will take visitors to any of ten bus stops in the valley including the Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls trailheads. Shuttle stop #8 is the Rainbow Falls trailhead or use shuttle stop #10 at Reds Meadow Resort if you want to … The award winning Welcome Center and staff is the first step in making the most out of your visit to... Mammothtrails.org is the all-season reference for information about the trails of the Mammoth Lakes Trail System. On a Friday morning it was almost full by 845am. It was a much better hike as few people were out walking. NOTE: These hikes are accessible via the Reds Meadow Shuttle during summer months. People were sitting in the shade looking like they were about to pass out. Launch your outdoor adventure from Mammoth Mountain’s activity hub. The Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) Reds Meadow Shuttle is the only way to travel to Reds Meadow, including Devils Postpile National Monument , Rainbow Falls and numerous hiking trails, in the summer (mid-June to early September). Once at the falls there are some amazing views and a steep stairway that leads you right down to the water. We loved the wild flowers and the falls! It's well worth the effort and a great experience. A massive flow of hot, iron-rich basaltic lave formed a … plan on a half day and check out the Devils Post Pile which is on the same trail. Rainbow Falls is the highest … From this trailhead, you can access the Devils Postpile Trail. Bring a small snack and water bottle too. Call 760-934-2345 or email us at: info@redsmeadow.com for current rates and ride times. The 101-foot waterfall is part of the Devils Postpile National Monument. It is a fairly flat trail with. The formation of this place is quite interesting. Muzzles are available at local pet stores in Mammoth Lakes and at the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center near the shuttle bus boarding area. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. We hiked all the way down to the falls and wet our feet in the water. We started our hike at the Devil's Postpile parking lot. The sun illuminating the mist created by the powerful 101 foot Rainbow Falls on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. From this trailhead, you can access the Agnew Meadow – Pumice Flat Trail and Agnew Wildflower Loop trail. Why you should go: An easy hike accessible by shuttle that features … Most people were wearing mask or face covering and the trail is wide enough that you can stay socially distant. 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The only way to access Reds Meadow shuttle operates from mid-June to early September falls one...